Call for health warning on supplements
A charity called Killing Cancer Kindly (KCK) is urging the UK government to make multivitamin supplements prescription-only and restrict their long-term use due to the potential risk of cancer. KCK claims that these supplements "bombard the body with huge doses of wholly unnecessary nutrients" that act as a "superfood" for cancer cells, helping them to grow and multiply. Natural vitamins found in food, on the other hand, pose no danger because they are absorbed slowly and the body takes what it needs before flushing out the rest.
Compelling research suggests link between synthetic vitamins and cancer
KCK argues that there is "compelling" research that shows a link between consumption of synthetic vitamins and increased rates of lung, prostate, bowel, and breast cancers. Dr Mohammad Muneeb Khan, an NHS oncologist who leads the charity, warns that we face a ticking time-bomb and compares the use of vitamins to antibiotics, stating that they should only be taken by those with diagnosed deficiencies and for as long as required to restore health.
Almost half of Brits take daily supplements
It is estimated that almost half of the population in the UK takes a daily multivitamin supplement, which typically contains a broad spectrum of organic compounds claimed to help maintain normal metabolic function. However, until now, these supplements were considered safe but unnecessary for individuals without recognized nutritional deficiencies. Studies have consistently shown that a varied and balanced diet provides all the necessary vitamins for the average person's needs.
Risk applies to all adults, regardless of lifestyle
The risk of increased cancer rates due to multivitamin use is said to be the same for all adults, regardless of whether they lead an otherwise healthy lifestyle. KCK's call for prescription-only status and restrictions on long-term use aims to protect individuals from potential harm and ensure that vitamins are used sparingly and only when necessary to restore health.
